Island-Hopping in Croatia

from $1,652

11 days of self-guided biking adventures on Croatian islands in the Adriatic Sea, complete with views of sail boats and swimming in sea coves, aromas of lavender and sage, and dinners in romantic coastal towns

You would think it’s unheard off to go to a Croatian island for anything else but beaches and the sea! Well, you would be surprised. Adventurers, who are discovering the world through a frame of their handlebar, rave about aromas of sage and lavender on the Adriatic islands, quiet and undiscovered patches under fig trees, and views from above of mellow sail boats dotting the horizon. It’s hard to imagine how diverse a topography and vegetation of these islands really is and how exquisite your biking adventure will be. From lush pine forests and maquis, to cliffs and gentle sloping shorelines, to moon-like, deserted and bare mountain passes. Of course, there is the warm and healing Adriatic sea and numerous secluded white beaches – accessible only to boats or hikers. And you on a bike!

DAY 1: Arrive to Split, free day to enjoy Split and prepare for the adventure

DAY 2: In-take meeting and boat transfer to Supetar on the island of Brač

Upon your arrival to Split a private transfer will take you to your hotel. . You will have time to settle in, take a deep breath and venture out on your own to explore the second largest city in Croatia. There is much to see. Surrounded by mountains and sea, Split has it all! Visit the city’s old town and the famous Diocletian’s Palace from the Roman times, built at the turn of the fourth century AD. The palace was built as a retirement residence of the emperor Diocletian and it forms half of the entire old town. Strolling through the city in the evening, pausing at the Royal Square, giving in to the smooth mediterranean pace of life, you will see and feel the vibrant modern city so elegantly intertwined with the spirit of the old. And if you are looking for a moment of calm before your biking adventure, then take a relaxing walk on the Riva promenade and enjoy the sunset.

You will meet with our representatives after breakfast to discuss the details of the tour we prepared for you. You will get your bike and a booklet with a complete description of the route, First destination – Split ferry port, where you will board a ferry to the largest Dalmatian island Brač. The stone that was used to build the majestic walls of the Diocletian palace was brought to the mainland from this very island. After 50 minutes, you’ll reach the town of Supetar, the main port of entry to Brač. The charming old town center, with narrow alleys from the medieval times and numerous outdoor cafes, is clustered by the small bay and in summer radiates with a distinctive atmosphere of a laid-back lifestyle and leisure, so typical of Croatia’s island towns.

Brač is an exceptional biking destination; with its 25 biking trails, totaling over 620 miles, it’s a well known biking destination. So strap on your helmet and get ready for some superb biking adventure! Today you will conquer the island’s highest peak – Mount St. Vid (Vidova Gora). With its 2,553 ft it’s also the highest peak on all Dalmatian islands. You will take your bike on a mainly gravel path, past the small quaint villages and olive groves on the hillside of St. Vid. The view of the island’s white beaches, neighbouring islands and the mainland is simply astounding! On your way back, stop in Škrip, the oldest village on the island. The tiny village’s name is derived from the latin word ‘scorpus’, describing sharp, bare rock of a cliff, on which the village sits.You can choose to visit the Museum of Brač or simply find a cool spot to rest in a shade of the village’s ancient walls, the oldest of which were built in the 4th century AD.

After breakfast you will bike back to the port and take a ferry boat to another island – Hvar. Hvar, also known as the Sunny Island, is famous for its natural beauty and very rich history and culture. The interior hides ancient hamlets, rough and uneven peaks, and vineyards and lavender fields, whereas the coastline connects some of the most beautiful and isolated coves. You will be staying in Stari Grad (literally “old town”), a 2400 year old town. Take a leisure, circular bike ride to the nearby villages of Vrboska and Jelsa. You can make a stop in one of the wine cellars and try their delicious local red wine. Half way between Stari Grad and Vrboska you can visit the island’s biggest museum Stari Grad Plain, the longest continuously farmed site in the Adriatic known as Ager or Hora, which is an amazing agricultural site, established by the Greeks around 384 BC. Hora is still operating today.

While Stari Grad charms you with calm and subdued atmosphere, Hvar Town, your final destination today, bathes in glitz and glamor. It’s a hip version of an Adriatic island town, offering swanky hotels and elegant restaurants. However, Hvar Town is also a true gem of Venetian Renaissance architecture. You will be able to choose one of the two biking routes to reach this beautiful port town. You can either explore the beautiful beaches on the southern side of the island (beach Dubovica was named one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe by Condế-Nast Traveler) or bike through endless lavender fields of an inland and visit an old village of Brusje. The villagers have been producing wine, olive oil, rosemary oil and honey here for centuries. Make a stop there to feel the original village atmosphere.

Park a bike for a day and let the beautiful town of Hvar spoil you. The 13th-century walls, surrounding the town, hide many narrow, marble streets, Gothic-style houses and town squares. Visit the 16th-century fortress Španjola, sitting on a hill above the town, enjoying the panoramic views of the town, port and nearby Pakleni islands (Pakleni Otoci). Take a 20-minute boat to the islands and soak in the outstanding beauty and natural diversity of these emerald jewels.

After breakfast bike to the port and take a ferry to Korčula Island and Korčula town, the fortified historic main town on the island, located on a small peninsula on the east coast. Korčula is densely forested island, which gave an inspiration to greek settlers, who called the island Korkyra Melaina, or Black Korcula. Allegedly Marco Polo, a Venetian explorer, was born on this island. Walk through the narrow streets and enjoy the charming mixture of the 15th century Gothic and the 16th century Renaissance architecture. Bike 6 miles east passing pine forests and visit breathtaking Lumbarda sandy beach and have a swim in the crystal clear blue water.

Bike west across the Korčula island. Your first stop can be under a 500-year old cypress tree in the village Žrnovo. Your route will then lead you through a cypress lined road , between the olive groves and vineyards to Pupnat, the smallest and oldest village on the island, first mentioned in 1383 AD, then continue to the village Smokvica. The surrounding areas are mainly forested land, however, around 360 acres of land in the municipality is dedicated to olive groves.. Today’s final destination is a small village Brna close to Smokvica. In the past the village was a small port used mainly for wine export.. Take a relaxing walk on marvellous pebble beaches and do not miss a beautiful sunset.

Today you will continue making your way west toward the town Blato through an over 1 mile long linden tree avenue counting 117 trees. In the main town square visit All Saints Church, built in the 14th century, and a charming baroque Loggia that dates back to 1700 AD.
You will return to Korčula town following the same road that brought you to the west side of the island.This time, make a stop in village Čara, which is well known for an autochthonous white grape and Pošip wine. Wine connoisseurs will be able to distinguish a taste of ‘terra rosa’ – a deep, red iron-rich soil, prevalent on the Adriatic islands. The delicious wine is worth trying.

This is your last day on a bike, so start it early! ou will take a morning ferry from Korčula to a Pelješac peninsula, jump back on your bike and pedal through , endless vineyards, passing by rocky cliffs and enjoy untouched nature. When reaching the northern side of the peninsula, you will board a ferry boat to Ploče Town on a mainland, where a private transfer to your accommodation in Dubrovnik will be waiting for you. At this point, your biking adventure will end., However, you are not leaving Dalmatia yet, as a matter of fact, , the town of Dubrovnik, the ’Pearl of the Adriatic’, is just ahead, yours to explore: wander through and soak in its luxury and opulence.. It truly is a magnificent town and a perfect backdrop for your last days on the Adriatic. Dubrovnik’s old city has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1979.

Wake up and start making your plans for today. Your adventure with us does end today, but there is still so much more you can do in Dubrovnik or in its vicinity. Walk the 1.5 mile long and 72 feet high city walls, built in 10th century, or visit the Fort Lovrijenac, one of Croatia’s most important fortresses. Sometimes referred to as the ‘Dubrovnik’s Gibraltar’, rising on a cliff an amazing 120 ft above the Adriatic sea safeguarding the city below, Fort Lovrijenac is these days a fortress that serves as a famous theater venue for performances throughout a year, but most famously, as a venue for Shakespeare’s Hamlet, which became a symbol of the annual Summer Festival.
Once you are ready to leave the city , we will have a private transfer ready for you to take you to Dubrovnik Airport. If you are not just ready to pack up your bags, ,you are welcome to extend your vacation for a few more days.

Hotels

All accommodation is in 3-star hotels with breakfast (twin/double room). A price for half-board accommodation or private apartment can be quoted on requested.

The tour is considered to be moderate level of difficulty. There is an average of 19 miles of biking each day with some ascends and descends and some more challenging parts.

A good physical condition is essential.

You will be travelling with panniers attached to your bikes, so be ready to pack accordingly. You can keep your remaining luggage with our representative, who will deliver it on the day 10 when picking you up in Ploče.

Breakfast is included in every accommodation. You will have a lot of opportunities to stop in local restaurants and shops all along the way for dinners, lunches and snacks.

We advise that you start your trips early to allow enough time to stop often and enjoy the scenery!

You will get bikes with full equipment – bike panniers, spare tire and repair kit, bike lock and helmet.

Although unlikely, the weather can change rather quickly, so do not forget to bring your rain-covers and a change of clothes. The panniers you will be travelling with are waterproof.

The tour is not appropriate for pregnant women and children under the age of 15.

All customers are required to notify us before booking the tour of any medical conditions, as well as dietary restrictions. All medications can and should be brought to all activities in the program. If you suffer from any medical conditions, we strongly suggest that you consult your physician before booking a tour to receive an expert medical advice. We are more than happy to discuss and recommend the most suitable adventure for you based on your conditions, but cannot ultimately be responsible for your health.

We compiled a list of further thoughts and recommendations on our Frequently Asked Questions page.